Scientific Name: Richea milliganii Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: nodding candleheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Sparsely branched, erect shrub.

Height (m): 1.5 – 2

Flowers: Yellow, in short, nodding spikes.

Fruit: Capsule

Municipality
Central HighlandsDerwent ValleyHuon ValleyKentishMeander ValleyWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Found in heath at lower altitudes on the western mountains and at Lake Belcher in Mt. Field National park.

Site Tolerance

Moist

Soil Tolerance

Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken to prevent plants from drying out. Some overhead shade is desirable.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
SeedCuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Collect the capsules just prior to opening, while they are still green.

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.

Seed Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

May be grown from fresh seed. Surface sow or lightly cover. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. Smoke treatment may improve results. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possible as they develop long fine roots. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken not to let plants dry out. Some overhead shade is desirable.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be grown from cuttings, although some species are difficult.